BUILD IN LESS POPULATED AREAS

Most people realize we must not build into the Greenbelt. On the other hand, while Hamilton requires new homes and condos, the example of the massive development planned for the County Fair Plaza on the corner of Mohawk Road East and Upper Sherman Avenue does not seem like a good fit.

The proposal includes two 25-storey towers, one 20-storey tower, two 15-storey buildings, one 13-storey structure, two eight-storey buildings, seven three-storey stacked townhouses, and various "green spaces." Anyone who knows this area may find it challenging to accept the conclusions that all these buildings on this corner would not infringe upon receiving natural sunshine. And to accept the existing sewer and water connections will be able to handle an extra 4,000 people is again uncertain.

There is a third option, although not often discussed. Instead of allowing the Hamilton area to grow exponentially, ending up the size of Toronto or New York City, the government should be encouraging developers to build in less populated areas. They should be taking advantage of our vast country in areas such as northwestern Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. There would be more room for comfortable, single-family dwellings and condo apartments, therefore not requiring skyscrapers.

JACQUIE REID HAMILTON MOUNTAIN